We occasionally encounter several difficulties and must defend ourselves on our own. Combating the demons of mental illness is the hardest of them all. People frequently struggle to pinpoint the underlying causes of mental and emotional stress in today’s fast-paced world, making it difficult for them to seek treatment when they most need it. In these situations, psychologists prove to be the shining knights! These therapists advise people and extricate them from the hollow mental zones they are sinking into using a variety of strategies and methodologies.
Scope for Psychologists in India
Psychology is a wonderful career choice because there is a rising need for psychologists and psychiatrists in India. People are turning to clinical, counselling, and child psychologists to better understand themselves and others as awareness of mental health issues, their surroundings, and their development grows.
The Mental Healthcare Act, passed in 2017, highlighted the value of psychology and the demand for psychologists. And now, whether it be in sports or education, there is a demand for psychologists in every industry. Every field requires psychologists, which broadens the options. And they are no longer solely limited to clinical or counselling work nowadays.
Students who have a psychology degree have access to a variety of employment opportunities. They may work at clinics, hospitals, NGOs, institutions of higher learning, or even open their own business. It takes years of arduous effort, as well as a sizable amount of study and training, to become a psychologist.
If you’re interested in learning how to become a psychologist, you must first fulfill the following stages;
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree First
Psychology bachelor’s degrees are a common place for psychologists to begin their careers. General psychology, experimental psychology, developmental psychology, and statistics are required courses. Most prestigious universities in the nation provide a wide variety of psychology courses. You can select the option of your choice, but it’s crucial to remember that the employment prospects will differ depending on the course.
A few examples of psychology bachelor’s degrees are:
BSc Psychology
BSc Cognitive Science
BSc Business Psychology
BSc Forensic Psychology
BA Psychology
BSc Sports Psychology
Earn a Master’s Degree
The first requirement for becoming a psychologist is earning a bachelor’s degree. However, a master’s degree aids in your specialisation decision and helps you comprehend the subject matter more thoroughly. The two-year postgraduate master’s degree programmes in the master of arts (M.A.) and master of science (M.Sc.) both provide specialisations in clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, development psychology, counselling psychology, educational psychology, forensic psychology, and social psychology.
You are qualified to work as a psychologist at hospitals, schools, colleges, and other comparable organisations once you have earned your master’s degree.
A few examples of psychology master’s degrees are:
MSc Forensic Psychology
MA Behavioural Science
MSc Sports Psychology
MA Psychology
MSc Psychology
MSc Cognitive Science
MSc Business Psychology
Get a Doctoral Degree
A doctorate, such as a Ph.D. in Psychology, is required for most psychology fields. A Ph.D. in psychology is a doctoral-level programme that offers those who want to work as academics or clinical psychologists rigorous research training. Psychology-related subjects covered in the course include cognition, perception, neurology, and behaviour. For full-time students, this programme typically lasts four years; for part-time students, it lasts seven to eight years.
Do an Internship in Psychology
You must complete an internship or postdoctoral programme after completing a psychology masters or doctoral programme. You have the chance to work with qualified psychologists during this necessary psychology internship to get practical experience in your area of interest. Depending on your area of specialisation, internships might last anywhere between six months and two years.
Become Certified and Licensed
Psychologists in practice are typically required to hold a license. The requirements for licensure vary by state, but generally speaking, you must have a doctorate, do an internship, and work for one to two years under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. Additionally, you need to be successful on the Psychology Professional Practice Examination.
To demonstrate that they adhere to the greatest standards of care, many psychologists also decide to obtain certification. The American Board of Professional Psychology grants certificates in 15 different areas of psychology, such as organisational and corporate psychology and forensic psychology.
